afhandelingsvoorstel

In Dutch public administration, an afhandelingsvoorstel is an internal document that outlines how a case should be handled and concluded, including the recommended decision and the reasoning behind it. It serves as the structured basis for final administrative action and helps ensure consistency and transparency in decision making.

Typical elements of an afhandelingsvoorstel include a concise summary of the relevant facts, the applicable legal and policy framework, an assessment of possible options, the proposed outcome, and any conditions or measures that should accompany the decision. It may also contain references to evidence, risk considerations, privacy or data-protection issues, and notes on potential impacts for involved parties.

The document is usually drafted by the case handler or the unit responsible for processing the file, and it is reviewed by supervisors, legal advisers, or compliance officers before submission to the designated decision-maker or decision-making body. The afhandelingsvoorstel is not a binding verdict in itself; the final decision may confirm, modify, or reject the proposal based on further considerations encountered during review.

Context and usage vary by agency, but afhandelingsvoorstellen are common in municipalities, ministries, and other public bodies in areas such as permits, social benefits, enforcement, and administrative actions. They support accountability, consistency, and a clear audit trail in case handling, and may form part of the administrative record or be subject to internal or external review and appeals.